The First Amendment protects individuals’ right to express their opinions. But did you know that other side of the free speech clause is that the government can’t force you to say something you don’t want to? The Supreme Court has ruled in cases of coerced speech that the First Amendment protects individuals from expressing opinions that they find offensive.

The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals recently decided a case in which the issue was whether a public school, acting as the government, can require students to wear a school uniform that bears the school logo and motto, “Tomorrow’s Leaders.”

The parents of two children in Roy Gomm Elementary School in Reno, Nev., said the uniform requirement was coerced speech and violated the students’ First Amendment rights. They said the students were being forced to endorse the belief that leadership was valued and the suggestion that Gomm Elementary produced leaders. The parents said the motto was the school’s opinion and that requiring students to wear the logo that bore the motto was compelled speech.

Students do have abridged free speech rights when in school. Their speech is restricted if it’s disruptive to the school environment, lewd or vulgar, or contradicts the educational mission of the school. But the Gomm Elementary case is about possible compelled speech by the school.

The courts generally have ruled that schools have the right to adopt and enforce school dress policies, even though they acknowledge that clothing is a form of expression. The school defended its uniform policy, saying it was intended to promote “school spirit and unity.”

The appeals court decided that the school requirement violated the students’ First Amendment rights. Its opinion said: “The Roy Gomm Elementary School uniform policy mandates written expression, a message on the shirts above the school logo stating ‘Tomorrow’s Leaders.’… Practically speaking, the Elementary School compels its students to be an instrument for displaying the school motto. Had the uniforms consisted of plain-colored tops and bottoms…, the School would have steered clear of any First Amendment concerns. However, by mandating the written motto on the uniform shirts, the School policy compels speech.”
What do you think?

Is requiring students to wear a school uniform with the motto forced speech? Do you agree with the appeals court’s reasoning? Why is protection against compelled speech important? Join the discussion and let us know what you think!

Sierra
Faulhaber/Sidney High School
I believe requiring students to wear a school uniform with the motto is forced speech. Students are still learning how to express themselves, how to think, and how to have their own opinion. By forcing them to wear a school motto it is forcing them to support a motto they may not agree with. I agree with the appeals court's reasoning. Protection against compelled speech is important because everyone should have a right to their own opinion on how they feel.

1/5/2016
Sidney, Montana

Luke
Mr. Faulhaber/ Sidney High School
Requiring students to wear a school uniform with a motto on it should be considered coerced speech, and therefore a violation of the rights of the students. I agree with the majority of the courts' reasoning. Our opinions differ when it comes to plain uniforms. I beleive that making a student were a uniform, plain or not, is unconstitutional. I, along with many others, consider clothing to be a form of expression. By mandating a uniform, the school is inhibiting the rights of the students to express themselves freely.

1/5/2016
Sidney, Montana

Danielle
Mr. Faulhaber
I think that there isnt anything wrong with having to wear the school uniform. However if the students are required to wear the expressional message above the logo I believe that that violates the students First Amendment rights. It is compeling speech through the students and just like in the article they are "compeling its students to be an instrument for displaying the school motto". The school could easily find an alternative way to display the schools motto without having the students be required to wear it.

1/5/2016
Sidney MT

Nick
Mr. Faulhaber/ Sidney High School
In some cases yes like where there are a bunch of gangs in the area that are reflecting on the students at your school yes i think you should have to wear the shcool logo because it makes it so everyone is equal and makes sure there isnt any rival gangs in your schools but in some cases where gangs dont excist where colors dont really matter no i dont believe the logo should be forced upon the students unless its going to fix a certain problem at the school. it limits the students rights to be them selves and express who they are as an individual.

1/5/2016
Sidney/Montana

Dominic
Faulhaber/Sidney High School
I believe that this is a violation of the students rights for fact that it is a written message that they endorse on their person. School dress code fits in standards that can be enforced but actually having written messages on the uniform and is required is violating rights for having free speech.Some of the students or parents disagree with the motto and “Tomorrow’s Leaders” is a very opinionated statement.

12/4/2015
Watertown Ma

Derek
Mr.Rimas Watertown High School
In my opinion, you should not have to be forced to wear a school uniform period. I also believe you should not be required to wear a schools logo and support their "motto". Everyone is different and has different likes and ways of going about how they speak and dress, you should not have to support your schools motto, it should be your own opinion

11/24/2015
Sidney MT

Cayden Hecker
Mr. Faulhaber Sidney High School
Requireing students to wear the schools logo is unconstitutional. Schools may be allowed to tell students what they can and can not wear but a school can't tell a student what he or she has to wear. This would restrict a students freedom of expression which is protected under the first amendment. This does also mean that a school should not be able to reward a student for wearing the logo or punish a student for not wearing the logo. But a school can encourage a student to wear a logo they jsut can't force a student to wear it.

11/20/2015
Sidney, MT

Dakota
Mr. Faulhaber
I believe that in a public school that is requiring students to bear the school’s logo and motto is unconstitutional because it is infringing on individual rights. Government officials cannot make any law or impose any law that infringes on anybody’s rights, and with this school doing just that, they are going against the constitution. It is also restricting an individual’s opinions which is violating the first Amendment.

11/20/2015
Sidney, MT

Kaitlyn Tibbits
Mr. Faulhaber/ Sidney High School
Requiring the students to wear the uniform with the motto is forced speech, I think. I would say, either take the motto off, or make the shirts with the motto an option to the students. I agree with the appeals court’s reasoning. They had a good way of putting it, saying: “The School would have steered clear of any First Amendment concerns. However, by mandating the written motto on the uniform shirts, the School policy compels speech.” Protection against compelled speech is important because the Government can’t force you to say something you don’t want to.

11/20/2015
Sidney, Montana

Christian Eggar
Mr. Faulhaber Sidney High School
In my opinion requiring students to wear these uniforms is a form of forced speech. If the students don’t believe in the motto then why should they be required to wear it? The school in my opinion probably had good intentions. To counter this the school could’ve made the uniforms optional. This way it wasn’t forced but, forcing individuals to wear these uniforms is in my opinion unconstitutional. This is because it is stepping on the rights of individuals. But I do agree that the school had very pleasant and good intentions for forcing this motto, but it is still unconstitutional.

11/20/2015
Sidney, MT

Clay Fox
Mr. Faulhaber/ Sidney Highschool
Having to wear a uniform in general would be annoying. This controversy over the schools motto is more over reaction than anything. Yes, it does infringe on the students’ rights as humans to speak freely, but no, it is not that big of a problem. The motto is a learning tool for the school and should be taken as support for the students not anything demeaning towards the students and their rights. Also they are already required to wear a uniform and adding an innocent quote on the clothing shouldn’t matter. In the end though I would have to agree with the ruling that the school was in the wrong strictly based on what the constitution tells us.

11/19/2015
Sidney/Montana

Bryana Christensen
Faulhaber/ Sidney High School
I think that requiring students to wear a school's logo is unconstitutional for a few different reasons. The students should have the right to represent their schools motto in whatever way they choose. However, they should not be forced to represent a motto because that would disobey the First Amendment. Freedom of Speech. Although, the school is just trying to promote school spirit, unity, and have students represent their school, it still violates students rights to free speech while attending school.

10/2/2015
Sidney, Mt

Kade Jacobson
Mr. Faulhaber
I understand the need for uniforms in schools and uniforms should be allowed to be worn however they want, but a school logo should not be forced with the uniform. The motto is pushing school rights a little to far and impeding on the students freedom of speech. If the uniform only had, the logo it would be fine, but the motto should not be forced

9/25/2015
murrieta

Jacob
Mr.Jabro/Creekside Highschool
I believe that everyone person should have the right to show what they like and there own opinion to there favorite teams but when it comes to different or gang related it should only be questioned if when they are wearing the clothing during inappropriate time for example a beanie in the summer heat.

9/2/2015
Sidney, Montana

Kyle Mueller
Mr. Faulhaber
Wearing a shirt with the school logo is a lot different than wearing a shirt with a written motto on it. When forced to wear a shirt that says something on it that you may or may not believe in is forced speach. A person has a right to the freedom of speach and that also means they have a right to not want to say something or promote what is stands for. Even though the school has a mandate on wearing that item of clothing it still pushing the limits of a persons freedom of speech.

9/2/2015
Sidney, Montan

Matt Folstad
Mr. Faulhaber/Sidney High School
A school with uniforms is just like a business with uniforms. You are representing your school and if they have a rule to wear uniforms, it should be followed.

3/24/2015
murrieta / california

brittney
mr. jabro / creekside
people express themselves through the way they dress, just as they do through their speech. So the first amendment should protect student dress. however school officals in many states claim dress codes are necessary to prevent gang activity, promote safety, and prevent distraction and disruption in public schools. I think we should be allowed to dress freely as we are allowed to speak freely, and not be forced to wear certain things. public school dress code can also lead to people loosing alot more money due to having to have to buy certain clothes just so the child can attend school, and if he/she isnt in certain ¨school wear¨ it becomes a even bigger disruption for the child not being in class because of dress code.

3/3/2015
Murrieta CA

Angel Arreola
Jabro Creekside
I believe that you should be able to wear what ever you want, guys anyways, girls get too showy and think its "fashionable" , schools dont realize no one cares about any of the rules or how someones "supposed" to dress. We are there to get work done and to get the hell out! LIke if anything i get LESS work done when its cold and i cant wear anything USEFUL to make me warmer. It just makes me hate the school even more, and my mind cant be on track when im all mad about some STUPID dress code law. Teachers need to wake the hell up.

2/12/2015
Murrieta/ CA

Miguel
Jabro/ Creekside High School
I think its wrong for anyone to tell us what to wear, even coming from someone who doesn't break the dress code. But forcing your students to only wear your school logo is something that no one wants. No one wants to be told what to do, if kids want to wear their school logo they can. But what we wear does not show you who we are.

11/17/2014
Murrieta CA

Elizabeth Padilla
Mr. Jabro/ Creekside High
in my opinion, school uniforms do not matter what so ever. your not there to represent your school or how off their logo. your there to get an education and be succesful, dressing in a uniform is not going to get you an education.

11/14/2014
Stroudburg pa

David
Mr Hana SJHS
If you don't want to where a school logo you
Don't need to. If you don't like the school or
The logo don't where it

11/13/2014
Stroudsburg, PA

Brianne
Mr. Hanna/Stroudsburg JHS
I believe that requiring students to wear a school uniform with the motto is forced speech. If someone is forced to wear a motto that they do not believe in, it violates their rights under the First Amendment. I do agree with the appeals court's reasoning. Protection against compelled speech is significant because we should support something we do not believe in.

11/13/2014
Stroudsburg, Pa

Alexa
mr.Hanna sjhs
I think police should be able to search your phone without a warrant with only some things. Photos and texts could be private, But social media and website history shouldn't be that private unless you're trying to hide something. I think that police should need a warrant to search your photos and texts but not for history and social media.

11/13/2014
Stroudsburg/PA

Bartek
Hanna/Stroudsburg JHS
Yes, I think that requireing students to wear a logo with the school motto is forced speech because I belive that students should not be told what to wear. It is also a problem for many people because it is forcing parents to buy special uniforms(usually more expensive than regular clothes). I think students should not be told what to wear, especially with school motto on it.

11/13/2014
Stroudsburg, PA

Hana
Mr. Hanna/Stroudsburg JHS
I believe that school uniform is forced speech. By making someone wear something that they don't want to wear or having them "express school spirit", you are forcing them to think a certain way which is a violation of the first amendment. Why should students dress a certain way when their personality is hidden? I do agree with the appeals court's reasoning. Protection against compelled speech is important because the Amendments were made for a reason and we shouldn't violate them.

11/12/2014
Stroudsburg PA

Lia
Mr.Hanna/Stroudsburg JHS
I believe that no student should have to wear a school logo. They should be able to wear any school appropriate logo but a required school logo. It's unconstitutional because it violates the First Amendment which protects individual rights is often violated and shouldn't be especially over a school logo.

11/12/2014
s

Quinn
Mr. Hanna/Stroudsburg JHS
I think it is forced speech. I say this because if you are making someone say or endorse something without them agreeing to it before hand it is a violation of there independence, freedom of expression, and freedom of speech. I do agree with the appeals court's reasoning. Protection against compelled speech is important because none of our rights as Americans should be violated exspicially those clearly stated by the First Ammendment.

10/16/2014
Murrieta,CA

Vivian Cabral
Mr.Jabro/Creekside HS
I think that a school requiring students to wear a schools logo is not right. I believe the student should have the choice to wear what they like. A student should not be told that they have to represent they school if they do not want to. There are kids who do not like going to the school they attend but do not have the choice to attend a different school, so why should they have to wear closes with their schools logo. It is forced speech because the students would have no say in what he or she wears to school. I do agree with the courts.

9/17/2014
Virginia

Bridget
Dr. Hunnycutt
If the school enforces a dress code or forces kids to wear the school logo, it violates the freedom of practicing their religion (in some cases) and their freedom of expression. Of course having some restrictions in what is "appropriate" is required. I believe it is forced speech.

9/6/2014
Murrieta CA

Lily
Mr.Jabro Creekside Highschool
I think that a school requiring students to wear a school logo or motto is against the rules. It is forced speech because the student has no say in what he/she wears to school because it will most likely come with a uniform. It could also cause problems for the student if they have a bully or stalker,seeing as the school logo is right there printed in bold letters on the students shirt,said stalker would know exactly where to find them. So it also offends safety rights. I do agree with the courts reasoning.

8/25/2014
temecula ca

angel
jabro creekside
i believe its unconstitutional to control what we wear at all, like what does it matter to not be wearing a school logo? what REALLY happens? because honestly< there has never been a riot because of kids not wearing a stupid school logo that just wants you to wear it so they some kind of control over you. i hate the government

6/12/2014
Stroudsburg,PA

Shaydra
Mr. Hannah
Yes because the students are wearing it and also its the schools motto and opinion. Yes because as long as it is what it says then that is what they mean. i think it is important because they tell you what is right and wrong about the situation. And also its part of the rights that we have to follow.

6/12/2014
Stroudsburg, PA

Christian G
Mr.Hanna/Stroudsburg JHS
Yes requiring students to wear a logo with the school motto is forced speech because you are making the students put something on their shirt that is what the school wants. No I do not agree with the appeals courts reasoning because clothes for some people may be a way to express yourself and wearing a logo is making you represent something that you might not want to represent. Protection against compelled speech is important because it's part of our rights.

6/12/2014
Stroudsburg, PA

Caitlin P.
Mr.Hanna/Stroudsburg JHS
I think requiring kids to wear school uniform with the motto is forced speech. I think it's perfectly fine to wear regular school Uniform, but making them wear a motto they may not agree with is unconstitutional in my opinion. Just because some people agree with the motto doesn't mean everyone does, which is why I think they shouldn't be forced to wear something they may not believe in.

6/12/2014
Stroudsburg, PA

Amanda A.
Mr. Hanna/ Stroudsburg JHS
I believe that requiring students to wear a school's logo is unconstitutional. I do agree with the court's reasoning. I feel as though the schools are pushing students to be showing the school motto. I do agree with the article about schools having a plain-colored top and bottom, but I don't believe having the motto is Constitutional. It is an example of forced speech. Although, students do have limited rights when they enter the school building, but they should have a right to be okay with the things that are displayed on their clothing.

6/12/2014
Stroudsburg, PA

Mariah L
Mr. Hanna/ Stroudsburg JHS
I think requiring these students to wear the motto is forced speech. I do agree with the court's reasoning. It's okay to have students wear normal uniforms but to have the motto is forcing them to wear something they might not agree with. Protection against compelled speech is important because it's apart of our rights.

6/11/2014
Stroudsburg, PA

Charles
Mr. Hanna/Stroudsburg JHS
I think requiring students to wear the school uniform with the motto is forced speech because unless that is what the students think it is forced. I agree wit the appeals court's reasoning. I think the protection against compelled speech is important because students should have the right of speech and as long as tthe students don't agree with the motto being on their clothes it is unconstitutional.

6/11/2014
Stroudsburg/PA

Brooke M
Mr. Hanna/Stroudsburg JHS
In my opinion, I believe that requiring students to wear a school uniform with the motto is forced speech. I agree with the appeals court's reasoning because I do not agree that a school should be aloud to force you to represent them. Yes, school spirit is important but the uniforms should be plain tops and bottoms. Writing the schools motto on the shirts compels speech. Protection against compelled speech is definitely important because nobody should be able to force you to do or represent anything you don't want to.

6/11/2014
Stroudsburg, PA

Taylor M
Mr. Hanna/Stroudsburg JHS
I don't think it is unconstitutional for schools to require kids to wear the school logo. However, I don't think they should force kids to wear it. I don't agree with the court's opinion and I don't think its a protection against compelled speech.

6/11/2014
Stroudsburg

Sydney L
Mr. Hanna/Stroudsburg JHS
I do not think that having to wear a school logo is unconstitutional. If the school wants you to wear their logo it's to promote the school. They are obviously proud to have you as one of their students so they want you to show off their logo!

5/22/2014
Washington / NJ

John General
Mrs. Rokosny / Warren Hills Regional High School
I do not agree with the court’s opinion that such an act of valuing leadership via a motto on the school uniform is an act of forced speech, as the motto reflects upon the educational and civic goals of the school who has the right to impose conformity among the student population to provoke these educational and civic values. Outside of that I am aware that the Supreme Court has continually stated that students do not sacrifice their first amendment right upon entering school doors, but in this case, I believe the motto is further proposing the school’s core curriculum, which in itself does not just pertain to the traditional academic courses. I believe the school’s job along with educating students is to, as the motto goes, creating “tomorrow’s leaders.” As for the motto, it is in no way vulgar or offensive thus the school holds onto their right to mandate the motto on the school uniforms as part of advocating the school’s mission of excellence.

5/6/2014
Sidney Montana

Jared
Mr. Faulhaber/Sidney High School
I agree with appeals court's reasoning. I feel the school is compeling students to be desplaying the school motto. I agree with the article that the school should have consisted a plain-colored tops and bottoms but I could understand maybe the school mascot and the name of the school, not the motto. I agree with Kristyn with her statment of wearing a uniform with the school's motto is an example of forced speech. The first amendment states Congress shall make no law prohibiting the free exercise there of; or abridging the freedom of speech. I also agree with Kristyn when she states that a uniform should be plain because then it doesn't interfere with someone's freedom of speech to where they complain. She then goes on to state that protection against compelled speech is important because along with the right to say what we want, we also have the right to not say or think that way just like with the freedom of religion. I feel students do have limited rights when they step foot into the school but they schould have a right to choose what their shirt says or have a blank shirt in the first place.

5/6/2014
Sidney Montana

Jared
Mr. Faulhaber/Sidney High School
I agree with appeals court's reasoning. I feel the school is compeling students to be desplaying the school motto. I agree with the article that the school should have consisted a plain-colored tops and bottoms but I could understand maybe the school mascot and the name of the school, not the motto. I agree with Kristyn with her statment of wearing a uniform with the school's motto is an example of forced speech. The first amendment states Congress shall make no law prohibiting the free exercise there of; or abridging the freedom of speech. I also agree with Kristyn when she states that a uniform should be plain because then it doesn't interfere with someone's freedom of speech to where they complain. She then goes on to state that protection against compelled speech is important because along with the right to say what we want, we also have the right to not say or think that way just like with the freedom of religion. I feel students do have limited rights when they step foot into the school but they schould have a right to choose what their shirt says or have a blank shirt in the first place.

5/6/2014
North Star High School

Quinn Spinler
Mrs. Campbell
I do not agree with the appeals court's reasoning. The motto is not compelling the student's speech, it is only telling the schools mission. Speech is restricted at school and you are not allowed to wear anything that contradicts the educational mission of the school. When these parents didn't want the motto on the uniform, they were doing worse than making their kids wear clothing that contradicts the educational mission. They are committing actions against the school's educational mission. Because this is an infringement on the school's right, I believe the kids should have to wear the motto for the plain fact that the motto is not obscene or offensive, and that it outlines the goal of the school.

5/6/2014
Rudyard/MT

Sarah
Mrs. Campbell/North Star
I do not agree with the court of appeals decision in this case. A school has the right to stop the use of vulgar and lewd speech, however, the motto "Tomorrow’s Leaders" is not. This motto completely supports what the school stands for, teaching their students to lead America into a new age. The school is simply displaying its message which its students are promoting by attending there. Schools also have the right to have their students wear uniforms to cause school unity. What better way to promote unity than to have everyone know what they are tying to become in the future? If the parents don't like it, than they have the right to transfer their students to another school that doesn't require a dress code.

5/6/2014
Rudyard / MT

Kristyn
Campbell / North Star
Wearing a uniform with the school's motto is an example of forced speech. There is a difference between uniforms and uniforms with the motto. Uniforms are for common good and done for unity or to cease inappropriate clothing. Someone can attend a school and not truly believe in the motto though. I agree with the appeals court's reasoning on the case because the school is definitely using the students to show the greatness and good reputation of the school. A uniform should be plain because then it doesn't interfere with someone's freedom of speech to where they complain like this. Protection against compelled speech is important because along with the right to say what we want, we also have the right to not say or think that way just like with the freedom of religion.